AUSTIN (KXAN) — Tuesday night the public can tell the Texas Department of Transportation what they think about plans to make the highway in front of the airport less congested

TXDOT is proposing to add two toll lanes along SH 71 in an effort to eliminate the lights.

Right now the stretch of roadway between SH 130 and Presidential Boulevard has two lights that can back up traffic during rush hour.

TXDOT is proposing to build a toll lane in each direction so traffic can avoid lights along that three mile stretch. Three lanes would remain free.

The plan also calls for building an overpass around FM 973 since that is one of the main arteries to get out to The Circuit of the Americas.

A TXDOT spokesperson said that traffic in this part of town is expected to increase by 85 percent over the next 20 years and so they are working to be proactive.

The $141 million project would be paid for through a combination of state, federal, and toll road revenue from SH 130.

And if it’s built along with other projects along 71, TXDOT hopes it could lead to a new fast highway.

“It’s a 15 mile corridor stretch where you can prevent stopping at a traffic signal. This is once we get the 71 at Riverside open and there are a few other projects,” said Kelli Renya, TXDOT Spokesperson

Tuesday night the public hearing will be held at the Del Valle Opportunity Center at 6p.m.

After the public hearing TXDOT will submit the final environmental assessment for approval.

If they get the green light construction would begin at the end of this year with a completion date in 2016.

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